Product Description
Sedum 'Popstar' PP31228 CPBR6264 (25) Bare Root Plants
ROCK 'N ROUND® Collection
Common Name: Stonecrop
This low maintenance, compact Stonecrop will be the star of your late summer garden. In the summer, blue-green foliage appears on grey-purple stems with a dense, full habit, an improvement in form from the classic Sedum cauticola. In late summer to early fall, the dense mound is completely covered with creamy grey buds that burst open to cheery, salmon pink flowers. When the flowering period is finished, darker pink seed pods extend the interest of the plant further into fall.
This plant falls into a category of hardy, dome shaped Sedum hybrids. These plants typically bloom in early fall on round mushroom cap-type habits. Especially vivid when planted en masse. Through the year they showcase succulent foliage and are well adapted to low water and rock gardens. If left standing, they provide winter interest and food for birds.
Sedum is one of the most popular perennials grown in American gardens because it is very easy to grow and hardy in most areas of the country. Because of its thick, succulent leaves which can store water, sedum is drought tolerant. It should be sited in average to poor soil that is well-drained. Plants grown in rich soil tend to be lanky and open. Most varieties should be grown in full sun to light shade. The lower growing types, however, will survive in partial shade.
This plant is not usually bothered by pests or diseases. The seed heads of the taller varieties provide excellent winter interest and food for birds. Remove them in spring when the new growth begins to show.
Attracts butterflies and bees. Deer and rabbit resistant. Terrific low-maintenance plant.
Height: 10 to 12 Inches; Spread: 16 to 20 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Flower Color: Pink shades; Foliage Color: Blue shades
Full Sun
Low Water Needs, Needs Good Drainage
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer - Early Fall
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Edging, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Sedum 'Popstar' is a low-growing, mounding perennial that adds vibrant color and texture to gardens. It is part of the Rock 'N Round™ series by Proven Winners, known for its compact habit and long-lasting blooms. This article explores the characteristics, care requirements, and potential uses of this charming plant, making it a valuable resource for gardening enthusiasts of all levels.
Sedum 'Popstar' distinguishes itself with its unique features:
- Compact Growth: Reaching a mature size of 10-12 inches tall and 16-20 inches wide, it maintains a tidy mounded form. This makes it suitable for various garden settings, from borders to rock gardens.
- Attractive Foliage: The blue-green foliage provides a refreshing contrast to its vibrant blooms and adds textural interest to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Showy Blooms: In late summer to early fall, 'Popstar' bursts into a profusion of salmon pink flowers, creating a captivating display. These blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
- Extended Season Interest: Even after the flowering period ends, the dark pink seed heads offer visual appeal well into fall, extending the season of interest. This also provides visual interest in the winter and a food source for birds.
- Improved Form: 'Popstar' is an improvement over older Sedum varieties, particularly in terms of its compact habit and dense flowering, making it a standout in any garden.
- Salt Tolerance: This sedum exhibits a tolerance to salt, making it a suitable choice for coastal gardens or areas with salty soil.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Versatile Uses: 'Popstar' can be used as a cut flower or dried flower, adding to its versatility in the garden.
Care Requirements for Sedum 'Popstar' Sedum 'Popstar' thrives with minimal intervention:
- Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for optimal growth and flowering. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial. It thrives in average to poor soil and even tolerates sandy or gravelly conditions. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
- Temperature: 'Popstar' can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. It prefers night temperatures above 13°C (55°F) and daytime temperatures of at least 18-21°C (64-70°F). It can tolerate freezing temperatures but goes dormant below 10°C (50°F).
- Fertilizer: Sedum 'Popstar' generally does not require fertilizer. Excessive fertilization can lead to leggy growth.
- Planting Time: The best time to plant Sedum 'Popstar' is in the spring or early fall. This allows the plant time to establish itself before extreme weather conditions.
- Post-Transplant Care: Ensure warm and slightly dry conditions after transplanting to speed up rooting and growth.
- Pruning: No regular pruning is necessary. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a tidier appearance and potentially extend the blooming period. Clear away old foliage in spring to make way for new growth.
- Winter Care: In colder zones, it is generally hardy and does not require winter protection. The foliage can be left standing for winter interest.
Growth Habits of Sedum 'Popstar' Sedum 'Popstar' exhibits a dense, mounded growth habit. It forms a compact mound of blue-green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. The flowers emerge in late summer to early fall, adding a burst of color to the garden.
Uses in the Garden Sedum 'Popstar' is a versatile plant with various uses in the garden:
- Groundcover: When planted en masse, it forms a vibrant, low-maintenance carpet that suppresses weeds and covers bare spots with ease.
- Border Plant: Its dense, mounded habit creates a neat and structured edge along garden beds or walkways.
- Containers: 'Popstar' thrives in containers, adding life to patios, balconies, or any outdoor space.
- Rock Gardens: Its tolerance for poor soil and drought conditions makes it a natural fit for rock gardens.
- Xeriscaping: An excellent choice for water-wise gardens, contributing color and texture without requiring extensive irrigation.
Companion Plants for Sedum 'Popstar' Sedum 'Popstar' combines well with various plants:
- Other Sedums: Create a tapestry of textures and colors by combining 'Popstar' with other sedums in the Rock 'N Round™ series, such as 'Pure Joy', 'Pride and Joy', 'Superstar', and 'Bundle of Joy'.
- Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Pair it with yarrow, dianthus, lavender, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans for a low-maintenance and water-wise garden.
- Ornamental Grasses: Combine it with fountain grass, blue fescue, or other grasses to add contrasting textures and movement to the garden.
- Shrubs: Consider planting it alongside boxwood or arborvitae for a combination of textures and forms.
Origin and Breeding Sedum 'Popstar' is a hybrid stonecrop, likely bred from Sedum cauticola. It boasts an improved form compared to its parent, with a denser habit and more prolific blooms. This breeding has resulted in a compact and floriferous plant that is well-suited to various garden settings.
Sedum 'Popstar' is a versatile and low-maintenance perennial that offers long-lasting beauty and resilience. Its compact habit, attractive foliage, and vibrant blooms make it a valuable addition to various garden settings. It is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners due to its ease of care and drought tolerance. The extended season interest provided by its seed heads and its ability to attract pollinators further enhance its value in the landscape. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, 'Popstar' is sure to become a favorite in your garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
